Curious about cleaning with this magical mystery sponge? Our experts explain what it is and how to use a Magic Eraser like a total pro.

Cleaning with Magic Erasers “is a physical removal process, not a chemical one,” says William F. Carroll Jr., PhD, an adjunct professor of chemistry at Indiana University. When you rub the Magic Eraser (or generic equivalent) on your kid’s impromptu crayon mural, for instance, tiny threads of melamine resin get down into the grooves and pores of the surface of the wall in a way that sponges and rags just can’t match.

So what are these grime erasers made of, and how do you use them all over the house? To find out, Reader’s Digest talked to Carroll and pro cleaner Dan Deonarain, the owner of Galaxy Maids residential and commercial cleaning services, who uses the product all the time. Ahead, they explain exactly how to clean with these magical sponges…

How to use a Magic Eraser

Magic Erasers clean by friction, so if you can wipe down the bathtub, you can clean with a Magic Eraser. Here’s what to do:

• Wet it first. “Magic Erasers are designed to be used with water,” Deonarain says. “Using it dry will make it very abrasive to the surface you are cleaning and will most likely lead to damaging the Magic Eraser pad.” Wet the sponge, then squeeze out the excess water before cleaning.
• Wear gloves. Deonarain says Magic Erasers are safe to touch, but he advises protecting your hands for all cleaning projects. “Always use gloves when cleaning, and this remains the precaution when using Magic Erasers,” he says.
• Spot test. Even though Magic Erasers feel soft and pliable, at the microscopic level, they’re more akin to sandpaper. Always test a small, inconspicuous area before applying to visible surfaces…

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